From the 6th, 'Okcheon Tyvek Peaches' Sold Nationwide at Emart for 14,900 KRW per Box
More Rain Increases Fruit Moisture Content, Lowering Sweetness Due to Water Absorption by Orchards
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] Peaches are a representative fruit whose sugar content and taste decline during the rainy season. Emart will sell 'Okcheon Tyvek Peaches,' which maintain high sugar content even during the rainy season, for three weeks starting from the 6th.
Generally, when there is heavy rain, fruit trees absorb moisture, which is then transferred to the fruit, resulting in lower sugar content compared to usual. The 'Tyvek Peaches' being sold this time are cultivated by installing Tyvek under the fruit trees one week before harvest, the most critical period for fruit sugar formation, to suppress moisture absorption, thereby maintaining high sugar content. Tyvek is a synthetic high-density polyethylene fiber developed by DuPont in the United States, which allows air to pass through but blocks moisture. Tyvek Peaches reduce moisture absorption, resulting in sugar content about 1 to 1.5 Brix higher than regular peaches. The average sugar content of peaches sold at Emart is around 11 Brix, while Tyvek Peaches have an average sugar content of over 12 Brix.
Despite the rainy season, Tyvek Peaches are commanding wholesale prices more than 30% higher than regular peaches at the Garak-dong Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market. While the prolonged rainy season has lowered sugar content and caused peach prices to fall, Tyvek Peaches are recognized for their value. As of July at the Garak Market, the price for a 4.5kg box of 'Famous White Peach (Special)' ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 KRW, whereas a 4.5kg box of Tyvek Peaches is traded at around 30,000 KRW. Emart sells 'Tyvek Peaches' in boxes containing 5 to 7 peaches for 14,900 KRW per box. The supply volume is about 4,000 boxes, totaling approximately 70 tons.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
